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Julie F.

Commuting in rain: What to do with wet clothes?

posted over 2 years ago | Report

I began commuting by bike this summer and want to continue when the weather in Seattle turns cold, wet and nasty. I've gotten the hang of packing and storing my stuff once I get to work, but I have yet to ride in on a wet day.

Any tips or tricks for stashing wet clothes while working and also for turning them around for the next day?

Also, any recommendations for:
keeping dry and not overheating?
prepping/maintaining bike for wet weather?
any other wet weather strategies.

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  Michael O.

  Probably my first priority would be to get really good fenders. Not the mtn bike kind which are not designed for heavy rain, but the ones similar to the old fashioned bikes, for example the rear wheel is probably around 50% covered. Even with a light drizzle, you will get covered in rain from the "rooster tail".

  See if your place of work has a shower or changing area - ask around, you'd be surprised.

  For clothing, it depends on how are you're biking and how heavy the rain is. I'm a big fan of Gore-tex for the heavier stuff, but if you're not going far, or it's sprinkling/showers, any decent outer shell will do, then you can dry it at work. I would bring a spare pair of shoes, unless you have an outer layer for those.

  I have to admit, rain makes for an easy excuse for me not to bike, so I'm sure others will have better suggestions.

  Make sure you keep your bike dry and oiled if it gets wet. And your bike lock. It's no fun trying to unlock a rusted u-lock.

  Your local bike store or REI probably can give good advice of course.

  posted over 2 years ago | edited over 2 years ago | Report

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  Julie F.

  in reply to what Michael O. said:Probably my first priority would be to get really good fenders. Not the mtn bike kind which are not designed for heavy rain, but the ones similar to the old fashioned bikes, for example the rear wheel is probably around 50% covered. Even with a ...light drizzle, you will get covered in rain from the "rooster tail". See if your place of work has a shower or changing area - ask around, you'd be surprised. For clothing, it depends on how are you're biking and how heavy the rain is. I'm a big fan of Gore-tex for the heavier stuff, but if you're not going far, or it's sprinkling/showers, any decent outer shell will do, then you can dry it at work. I would bring a spare pair of shoes, unless you have an outer layer for those. I have to admit, rain makes for an easy excuse for me not to bike, so I'm sure others will have better suggestions. Make sure you keep your bike dry and oiled if it gets wet. And your bike lock. It's no fun trying to unlock a rusted u-lock. Your local bike store or REI probably can give good advice of course. read more

  Thanks Michael. I've got the fenders already and I'm set at work with a shower. My biggest concern is what to do with my wet ride clothes once I get to work. I currently spread my things out in my very large filing cabinet drawer, but I don't know that that will cut it when it's drenched.

  While I'd love to use rain as an excuse not to bike, I'd have a tough time getting many miles in during a Seattle winter.

  posted over 2 years ago | Report

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  Kevinakamax

  in reply to what Julie F. said:Thanks Michael. I've got the fenders already and I'm set at work with a shower. My biggest concern is what to do with my wet ride clothes once I get to work. I currently spread my things out in my very large filing cabinet drawer, but I don't kn...ow that that will cut it when it's drenched. While I'd love to use rain as an excuse not to bike, I'd have a tough time getting many miles in during a Seattle winter. read more

  As the weather gets cold, one of the best things to remember is your feet. They need to stay dry. It's key in maintaining your core temp at speed and neoprene booties from Performance is about the best solution I have found.

  What kind of clothes are you wearing? If it's cotton or thick wool you won't dry it during your workday without a source of heat. If you use any hi-tech stuff like base layers and some of the new wicking undergarments (BodyArmor, C9 by Champion etc) you should be able to put it on a hanger. in an open room, and that should do the trick. Those clothes are the best for that and your safety in the cold. Check out http://www.sierratradingpost.com/ for crazy good deals on normally expensive hi-tech stuff.
  Michael is right- Get a good shell and plenty of wicking layers. Look at gloves designed for skiing- Over the last two years, I have been using Swix with some good results, remember you need to cover gloves from moisture in winter, or you're screwed- cold hands will shut you down faster than cold feet! A good face cover for really cold days (balaclava for heavy, REI has some nice medium solutions there too)
  Make sure you have lighting and reflecting everything for the short days. Don't even play with that! Light up like an Electric Dork! It WILL save your life if you ride at night with any consistency.

  It bears repeating... There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing!

  Sorry So Long! I've been through the same process you are in and thought I could help. Remember the example. It's priceless. Your commute can be spiritual!
  Snow? Girl, Godspeed! I don't do it. IMHO, too dangerous- there are snow tires available out there but visibility is the true issue. I don't see much snow where I am though.

  Lemme know if I can help any more...

  Max ( Ex-xon )

  posted over 2 years ago | Report

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  Peter S.

  Hanging clothes where they can get a breeze can help. At my office the ground floor parking is all open, but covered. Where I park my bike if I hang my stuff off the bike the breeze and fresh air will have it dry by the end of the day.

  There's a makeshift clothesline in the parking lot at my work, and everyone uses it for their motorbike raingear.

  Keep that bike oiled and clean. I flip my bike upside-down and run the chain through a rag to get as much moisture off the chain as possible. My chain also gets more dirt in it when it rains so that rag also helps to get some of that off. I then oil it again. I do this in the evening after wet weather riding.

  posted over 2 years ago | Report

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  Aurora

  Hey there! I keep my wet stuff in a Sweat Mate. Its just a super simple, waterproof drawstring bag that you can throw in the wash once you get home, too. It won't let your stuff dry (since it is waterproof), but at least you don't have to hang your wet stuff all over your office to drip. :) You can pick one up at www.RecycleFashionably.com. Good luck!

  posted over 1 year ago | Report

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  Ronnie C.

  I know this an old post but one great tip for your shoes was not covered.

  Keep lots of newspaper at work and at home (don't buy it, that is a waste, just get it from people after they are done reading it). Take a piece of of paper and crumple it into a ball and stuff into the shoe. Keep stuffing in paper until you can not put anymore in. By the time you leave for home (or the next morning if they got wet on the way home) they will be dry.

  I love riding in the rain (commuted to and from work for over 10 years in Seattle all year long) but hate putting on wet cloths for the ride home. I was lucky in I was stationed on ships and could hang them in warm areas to dry or use the dryers on the ship.

  posted 6 months ago | Report

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